Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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34. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update regarding the investigations into mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19539/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was formally established by Government Order on the 17th February 2015.

In accordance with its comprehensive Terms of Reference, the Commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the experience of mothers and children resident in Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes. The Commission is required to address seven specific questions on the practices and procedures relating to the care, welfare, entry arrangements and exit pathways for the women and children who were residents of these institutions. The primary function of the Commission is to provide a factual account, in a timely manner, of what happened to vulnerable women and children in these institutions during the period 1922 - 1998. The Government Order and a number of related explanatory documents are available on my Department’s website (www.dcya.gov.ie).

In addition to the main investigation methods, the confidential committee forum will allow former residents to provide accounts of their experience in private and a social history module will provide context through an objective and comprehensive analysis of key issues. These reports are scheduled to be completed by August 2016 and the Commission shall complete its final report not later than February 2018.

I can advise the Deputy that the Commission has begun its work. My Department continues to assist the Commission in recruiting its own legal and research experts and to establish the administrative arrangements necessary to support the Commission. However, it is essential to recognise that the Commission is completely independent in the conduct of the investigation. Therefore the precise timing and approach to its investigations are matters for the Commission to decide and progress. I have no role in decisions relating to its investigations.

Persons wishing to contact the Commission may do so by writing directly to: Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, 73 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, email info@mbhcoi.ie or by telephone at 01-6445000. I am advised that the Commission intends to advertise its contact details publicly within the coming weeks.